ALL Statement on Catholic Campaign for Human Development

Washington, D.C. (27 October 2010) – American Life League president Judie Brown issued the following statement on the Catholic Campaign for Human Development’s “Review and Renewal” documents released Oct. 26, after 14 months of criticism from ALL, Human Life International, Bellarmine Veritas Ministry, Catholic Advocate and other organizations uniting under the Reform CCHD Now banner (see www.reformcchdnow.com).

“We owe a debt of gratitude to the many Catholics who, for years now, have voiced their concern over the often-abhorrent funding practices of the Catholic Campaign for Human Development.

“Thanks to their prayers, diligence and support of the Reform CCHD Now effort, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops has finally heard our cry and is taking positive first steps to ensure that all CCHD-funded activities fully comply with Catholic principles.

“While we are heartened by the promise of reform made by the CCHD in its ‘Review and Renewal’ documents, we are anxiously waiting to see how these reforms will be implemented.

“Moreover, it is now clear that the CCHD will most likely not release its 2010 grantee list in time for this year’s November collection. Thus, Catholics are now being asked to make contributions without knowing which organizations will receive those funds. The CCHD might affirm its commitment to the ‘Review and Renewal’ effort by delaying the collection until the grantee list is released and full transparency is achieved for this year.

“In its ‘Review and Renewal’ documents, the CCHD repeatedly says that 5 out of 270 grantees were defunded last year. However, on page 6 of its “Responses to Questions about CCHD Grantmaking” document, the CCHD itself lists 6 grantees that were “defunded because they took actions or positions in conflict with Catholic teaching”: the Rebecca Project for Human Rights, the Chinese Progressive Association, Young Workers United, Washington Community Action Network, Preble Street Homeless Voices and Los Angeles Community Action Network.

“Additionally, the Reform CCHD Now coalition’s investigations reveal that 67 grantees were either directly promoting practices contrary to Catholic teaching, or involved with coalitions or forums that promote abortion, contraception or homosexual ‘marriage’ as primary objectives. We look forward to the CCHD addressing the question of the additional 61 grantees involved in intrinsically immoral activities.”

American Life League was cofounded in 1979 by Judie Brown. It is the largest grassroots Catholic pro-life organization in the United States and is committed to the protection of all innocent human beings from the moment of creation to death. For more information or press inquiries, please contact Katie Walker at 540.659.4942.